BMT-72106 Cellular Biophysics , 5 cr

Person responsible

Lessons

Learning Outcomes

Student can explain the principles of cellular electrophysiology and mechanobiology, and their measurement techniques. Student understands the fundamentals of biomechanics of the extracellular environment (extracellular matrix: its components), cellular mechanics (force generation and force sensing), electrophysiological properties of cells and tissues as well as the relevant cellular components (ion channels, transporters). Student can analyze, calculate and model mechanobiological and electrophysiological phenomena at the cellular level.

Content

Content

Core content

Complementary knowledge

Specialist knowledge

1.

Extracellular matrix components

Cell attachement to the extracellular matrix

Extracellular matrix biomechanics

2.

Force generation in the cells

Cellular components that are involved in the process

How forces are transduced within the cells

3.

Force sensing in the cells

Cellular components that are involved in the process

How forces are sensed in the multicellular level

4.

Electrophysiological properties of cells and tissues

Cellular components involved in the electrophysiological phenomena

Electrophysiological measurement techniques

5.

Electrical signaling in the cell and between the cells

Electrical signal propagation in tissues

Measurement of electrical cell-cell signaling

Instructions for students on how to achieve the learning outcomes

The final grade of the course is determined based on the assessment of all parts of the course. The weighting factors are: exam 66%, project works 33%, exercises up to 3 bonus points.
1: The student understands the basics of mechanobiology and electrophysiology.
3: Student can explain the basic principles of cellular electrophysiology, mechanobiology, and their measurement techniques, and describe the relevant cellular components. Student can utilize this knowledge in calculations of biophysical phenomena.
5: In addition to grade 3 requirements, student is able to apply the new knowledge and solve problems in cellular biophysics.